Grain-shocker.



G. D. GRIFPITHS.

GRAIN SHOGKER.

APPLIOA'TION' FILED 00T, s', 191;,

PatetedDec. 10, 1912..

' kanns-susan.

A Il lJUlHll B. MS .2 .kmnhhhw ufff G. -D'. GRIFFITHS.

GRAIN SHOQKER.

APLIoATIoN FILED 00T. 5, 1911.A

Patented 151511111912.

8 'SHEETS-BHEBTZ.

masses. ,J JM.

G. D. GRIFPITHS.

GRAIN SHOGKER. APPLIGATIQN FILED 00T. 5, 1911..

Patented Dec. 10, 1912.v

sA SHEETS-SHEET s.

G. D. GRIFPITHS. -GRAI'N SHOGKBR.

PPLIUATION FILED 00T. 5, 1 911.

va SHEETS-HEMA;

Mines-.565. unfa: A

Patented De@ 1o, 1912.

G. D. GRHHTHS.

GRAIN SHOWER.

APPLICATION NLBD 00T. 5, i -1.

s SHEETS-SHEET 5.

Patenteanee. 1o,

G. D. GMPPTHS.

GRAIN SHOGKER.

l APPLICATION FILED DGT. 5, 1911.

Patented De@.1o,1912

a SHEETS-SHEET 1.

G. D. GRIPPITHS.

` GRAIN sHooKBR.

APPLICATION FILED OUT. 5, 1911.

1,046,461. y .Patented Dee. 1o, 1912.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

7 5535. l CJJJ/ tuvieran s'rafrs if; GUY DESMOND Garrrrns, er acum-ALBERTA, CANADA.

' allll'whom it may concern: -i

Be it known that I, GUY DEsMoND GRIF- A' ments inGrrain-Shockers, of whichthe foin FITHS, al subject ofthe King of Great Britain, residing'at the town of Acme, in the Prov'inceof `Alberta, Canada, farmer, have invented certain 'new and .useful Improve- .lowing is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements 1nv gram shockers and the principal obJect of -iny invention is to design an agricultural implement .which will shock the grain as the bindercuts it, and deposit it onthe groundin shock form, thus doin'g'away with manual labor now'` required for this purpose.

Further objects of my invention will apj pearin'the following specification.

My; machineor implement, is composed of acombmation of three groups of automatic elements 'carried for convenience sake, by a n common frame, and in the order of the functions performed, these groups consist of (1) ymeans' 'for building the shock.' as each sheaf is y,received from the b1nder',`automat1c means being provided which will yield according to the increase .in the size of the shock, and support/each sheaf of the shock in vertical posi- .tiong' (2)- -means 4for ydepositing the sheaves composing the shock, butt downward on the ground),l and (3);means whereby the sheaves composingqthe shock are kept from becoming entangled with themachine so soon as the machine has dropped the shock, as here# inafter more particularly explained.

Figure 1 is .a plan view of .my machine; 'FigQ- Q-is'a side-- elevation thereof, certain supporting parts being omitted for clearness i sition between thesaid trapTdoors after they have y.beenopened Fig. 6 is a longitudinal centralsectionthrough the racks, and a side elevation of the quadrant co-acting therel fwith, wherebythevtrap-doors of the shock Fi-gft, isa plan view .ofpthalockiigand ,un--

chamber are closed, Fig. 7 isa vertical cross section through one of the racks and sup- ;prtingparts therefor, illustrated in Fig. 6, showing how the quadrants have bearing.

I f Specification of Letters Patent. v Appiication med october alan.

FFIGE. f

eaaritsrtocxnn.

rammed De@ 1c i912. semina. 653,020.

locking mechanism for the follower Fig.

Q 1s a plan view of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 8 with. the top cover removed. Fig. 10 isa vertical central cross section on the line cla- Fig. 8, through the base of said locking and unlocking mechanism, showing internal construction. Fig. '11' is a perspective view of oneV of the auxiliary arms` car v`ried by the support-ing armsloperating inthe shock-chamber. Fig. 12 fisf'ja perspective View, on an enlarged scale@y of the 'means whereby the suppor-ting arms, and their connected parts, are vlocked 'against vertical` movement at certain times. Figs. 18,14 and 15 are, respectively, a plan View; a rear elevation anda-side elevation, of the follower. Fig. l1S is aplan view of one of thetrapdoors ofthe shock-chamber showing how .the same is swung'in its place. Fig. 17 is a vertical central sect-ion on the linen-p Fig. 4.. Fig. 18is a vertical cross section on the line e-f, Fig. 4. Fig. 19` is a detail, partly in cross section, showing a side elevation -of the lower part of one of the support-s for the tubular shafts carrying the supporting arms operating inthe shock-chamber- Fig. 20 is a plan view of the train of gearing, parts being broken away7 and parts being shown in section, whereby the supporting arms are given the proper movements. Fig. 21 is a side elevation of portion ofthe lplun- .ger carriageL showing a cut-ott1 whereby sheaves are prevented. from passing into the sheaf chamber at certain times. Fig. 22 is a vertical section on the line g--nFig v1. Fig. 23 a vertical cross sect-ion on the line Fig. 24 is a detail view of certain gearing, in normal po'sition,.whereby ythe quadrants or racksI connected with the trapedoors open and closeI these doors at certain times. Fig. 25' is a vertical cross section on the line laf-Z, Fig. 1,.and Fig. 26 is a vertical cross section on the line mf-fn. Fig. 1. Fig. 27 is a plan view of the'clutch showing the same out of engagement with its associated sprocket wheel.` 'This ligure also shows a plan viewV of means, partly in section, whereby the clutch is' held in engagement with its associated sprocket wheel at certain times. Fig# Q8 is a view similar to Fig. 27', except that the clutch is 'shown in engagement with 'its associated sprocketvii'fieel, and Fig. 29 is a side elevation ofthe parts illustrated in Fig. 28lwithpertain parts removed.

ln the drawings, like characters of refer-l into said shock-chamber, it ispassed between a pair of spring-controlled auxiliary arms carried by the lower pair of supporting arms. There is also an'upper pair of supporting arms carried by the same means carrying said lower pair of supporting arms; these supporting arms are also springcontrolled, and as the shock increases in size, the supporting arms yield until ultimately they occupy the position shown in short dotted lines in Fig. l, which position indicates that the shock is formed. So soon as a shock is formed, one of the said supporting arms cqntacts with lever mechanism which permits energy to be transmitted from 'a driven shaft so as to release'certain mechanism which results in the unlocking of the supporting means for the trap-doors of the shock-chamber, /when, immediately, these doors drop down thus permitting the shock to be deposited on the ground. Si multaneous with the drop of the shock, the said supporting arms and auxiliary arms are dropped down into the position shown in Fig. 4 so as to support the sides of the shock so that it may be deposited in good shape on the ground. So soon as the shock is dropped, a tra'n of gearing is put into motion, whereby ille follower is run' along a track underneath the shock-chamber and between Ithe depending doors thereof, and as this follower presses against the shock, it keeps the same from becoming entangled with the machine. Immediately the follower has reached the limit of its "out move ment, it is returned to normal position, vand i then means are operated to close the trapdoors of the shock chamber.

The plunger is reciprocating Aas long as the implement is in .motion, and as before set forth, said supporting arms; the trapdoors, and the follower, are only brought into operation to release and tend the shock when the .same has been formed, and dumped. At the outset, it is to be understood that the follower is locked in normal position by the mechanism, illustrated in Figs. 8 to l0, and that when the trap-doors are open,the mechanismillustrated in Figs. 8 to l0 isoperated to unlock the follower.

The supporting arms are controlled by a spring and connected mechanism so that they will always exert a certain amount of pressure against the sheaves of the shock. As the supporting arms are dropping downward simultaneous with the deposit of the shock on the ground, they are forced wide open so that the sheaves of the shock will not catch thereagainsot'; this position of the arms is illustrated in-long-and-short dotted lines in Fig. 1 and'in full lines 'in Fight. It is to be understood that the strengt of the spring co-acting minimumwhen the parts occupy they posi'- tion illustrated in Flg. 4. The spring4 eoacting with the said arms is under low tension when the parts'are in the position illus.

trated in full lines in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and when 'the su porting arms occupy the position shown 1h short dotted lines in Fig.'A .1, the said spring is exerting its maximum tenwith said arms is at its sion against the said arms. For the purpose of clearness in illustration, the upper of supporting arms, shown clearly in igs. 2, 3 and 4, are omitted in Fig. 1. v

Supported at the end of the shockchamber are apair of butt-rods which compress the butts of the sheaves resting thereagainst suicient so as to retain them on the trapdoors. Simultaneously with the release of said trap-doors, the side wings of the shockchamber, and the said butt-rods, are moved into the position illustrated in Fig. 5, so as to facilitate the dumping of the shock.

The auxiliary arms, co-acting with the lower pair of supporting arms, yield as a sheaf 1s pushed therebetween by' means of the plunger, and after the passage of the sheaf therebetween, they automatically close so as to prevent the sheaf from falling out.

of the shock-chamber. These auxiliary arms are so positioned that the plunger ca'n freely pass therebetween without conflicting therewith. Positioned at the discharge end of the sheaf-chamber is a springcontrolled plate, vertically disposed, which yields so all' as to allow for the passage of the sheaves under the influence of the plunger, and when the sheaf has been passed into the shock chamber thisA plate fiies back into position and so retainsv the butti of the `sheaf within the shock-chamber. i

The implement or machine is designed to be used as an attachment to a binder, but for the purpose` of illustration it is not considered necessary to show the machine attached to a binder.

The frame may be composed of side members A, suitably braced together. i

B are the supporting-wheels for the rear end of the machine. and the same are swiveled after any suitable construction inthe brackets C 'which are suitably secured to the side members A. These brackets C are also secured to the bottom plates Dof the intensi.

l with which" cof-act the carriage of thepluiiger.' Thesaid rails are lsecured by any suit- 4 ableineans, not shown, to the cross bar F. j M are. side members secured to the rails L,

' ,5 and having theirinnerendsl suitably.secured` ``to the cross bar F. ,-,These side members give -lateral support to the said rails, and brace the members :which support the axle G.

The sheaf-chamber is composed of side Walls 15 'tom'y provide Vsuitable supporting means for the floor R of thesheaf-ehamber; this floor' R issubstantiallyfon the same level as the trap-doors of the.'shock-chamber hereinafter' referred to.

S are a-`pair of standards connected to- N get-her at' their upper ends by a cross bar T.

The lower ends of these standards are each i 'supported by `a dependiiig bracket U Figsf 3'and'19).whic/h are secured 'to the crossbar F' by brackets V.

' Wlv are. supporting/posts suitably se ;rired to the cross-bar F I(see Figs. Q and 3) down `through which the standards S pass.,

'The Cross bar T is connected by the bracerods 1 with' theframe or supporting means of the side walls N of the sheaf-chamber ,'llhe right-hand 'side ofthe sheaf-chamber 2 with reference to'Fig. 1 is provided with anppening 3 through which eachA sheaf must 3.5 pass before it can entersafid ,sheaf-chamber. 4 'is any suitable platform with which coacts any'suitable means (not herein illustrated because the construction and operation of the saine'is not material to a thormough knowledge of the present invention) whereby the sheaves are introduced, one at a time, into the sheaf-chan'iber 2. f 5 are Vstandards supported from the axle G,jeach securedby a brace a' with its assoas c'iated` one ofthe outermost pair of the brackets K. Having bearing'A in the ends of i "the standards'- 5 is' a crank 46 provided with crank-armsl 7 which operate on the outer side of said standards 5,

id' are a pairl ofcrank-arms keyed to the axle G and one at each end thereof and posi-,

tione'd outside o f the standards 5; these ..pcrank-arms'describe an are of the same size as the lcrank-arinsf7, and each pairof crankarins 7 and 8 are connected `together by a link-rod 9.' lUpon referring' to Figs. 1 and.

2, particularly Fig. 2, it will be noticed that tlie 'pairs of cran'k arms 7 and S are so positioned as to prevent any dead centering of they connecting-rod 10 mounted at 110() von the lcrank 6. The inner end of the connecting-rod 10 is'y pivoted or hinged to the plunger-carriage 11, by `any suitable means: ac-

cording to the construction illustrated, the

'inner end 12 of said connecting-rod is forked and straddles the head 13 of said plunger carriage.- lDosit-ioned in the head of said plunger carriage, and between 'theportions intheforkedend 12 of saidconnecting-rod, is an arm 14 which is lpivoted at 15 'to the vertical bar .1G of the plunger 17 i 18 is a boltfpassing through the forked 'end 12 and the arm 14, and through the head 1? whereby all these parts are 'oon- 'nected together, and the said connecting-rod l() hinged or pivoted to said plunger-carriage'll,

1S) is a bolt or equivalent means, vpassing through the head 13 whereby the armv 1% is firmly held in place. The head 20 ofthe arm 14 is curved as shown, and this arm is connected lby a spring 521 with the plunger 17. ln the position of the parts illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the plunger 17 occupies a vertical'position. Each time vthe pluiigeris brought :in contact with a sheaf, it can have movement on its pivot 15. .it is particularly desirable when the shock is nearing completion. It is of courseevident to one `skilled in this art that 'each time a fresh sheaf is introduced into the shock-chamber, this ac t will cause thesheaves contained therein to bemoved by the plunger 17 to allow for the entry thereinto of thev new she-af, and in order to distribute the pushing foi'ce'of said plunger to the best advantage, it is mounted on the arm 111: before described.

The vertical bar 16 is somewhat narrower than the width between the auxiliary arms (see Figi'. 1) so as to'allow these` auxiliary arms .to close after the sheaf has been passed therebetween,l and so prevent any possibility of the s heaf falling back into the sheaf-cliamber. The plungerl is provided with a foot 23 and the head 21, which is preferably-cui'ved outward as shown so as to enable nie to obtain the most advantageous results in handling' the sheares. The foot of course comesii'i contact'with the butt. of the sheat, and operates a suitable distance above the floor R ofthe sheafchamber 2. v` reason of the crank (l and connecting-rod 10. and the parts before t esciibed, as the' implement advances.` the plunger 1T .is i'eciproeatml back and forth, and eachtiine it moves to thc limit of its ininovemeiit, it pushes a sheaf into the shockchamber.

The plunger carriage 11 is composed bf two .yertical members 25 which are curved together to form the head l.v and`lhe e members rest with their lower ends flipperating between the U-shaped lower portions` P of the ribs O and\betwcen tluI rails l.. llach lower end is provided wiih three wheels journaled therein. a pair-ol` upper wheels Q7.\\liich operate upon the rail- L and a lower wheel 2S which operates against the under side of the said rails. lfhese i v posed between pig.; 37,

'= 39 1n the plates40 and 41 through Whichl I wheels are-so positioned as-to provide the 5 movement on each of the standards S is a tubular shaft 29.

and 31 are sleeves secured by-the set screws 32 to the tubular-shafts 29.- Intesleeves, or secured thereto, is an upper pair ofsupporting arms 33 and 34. Keyed respectively to the sleeves 30 and 31 are supporting arms 35 and -36 which compose fthe lower pair of supporting arms. Each of the tubular shafts29 carries a toothed-pinion 37 keyed thereto. A train of gearing is interthe toothed-pinions 37, and is composed of a plurality of toothed pinions 38 the same size as thetoothed pinions and these are journaled'by their shafts the said tubular shafts 29 pass. Each tubular shaft is provided withl a pair of collars 42 and' '43 which arel keyed thereto, and

i. 5 which hold the said plates 40 and 41 in position. Uponreferring particularly to Fig. 1, it will be understood that the supportingarms must move around their tubular shafts 'at the same rate of movement and in opposite directions,l and therefore the train of gearing illustrated in Fig. 20 lparticularly must be provided. The said supporting arms must move inward or outward, and always in opposite directions. As the shockchamber is being filled With sheaves, the ent-ry of each additional sheaf will cause the supporting-arms 33, 34, 35 and 36 to be moved a sufiicient 'distance apart, and at the same speed. Keyedto one of the tubular Rafts 29 is an arm 44, and to one end of isarm is secured a'coiled-spring 45 the flier end of which is secured to the outer md 46 (see Fig. 1) of the crank 47 which keyed to the shaft 48 having bearing in he plate 49 carried by the bracket 50. The normal position of the parts just described, 'is illustrated in Figs. 1. 2, and 3 in full lines. f-ls the arm44 is moved by its tubular shaft by reason of the before-described move- :ments of the supporting arms, through the medium of the toothed 'pinions 37 and 38 before-described, the other tul'mlar-shaft. is

turned and gives the required movement to the supporting arms 34 and 36 carried there- The described movements of said supporting arms continues until the shock is formed when the said arms occupy the position illustrated by short dotted lines in Fig. 1 when the shock is about to be dumped, as hereinafter more particularly explained.

Keyed to one of the tubular shafts 29 is a supporting flange 51 which, when these tubular shafts and their connected parts are in the position illustrated in Figs. Q, 3, and 12, is supported by the flange of the grajlly formed respectively ,fwith' these- -upper end 7c bracket 53 carried by the cross bar T. This supporting flange is supported by the said bracket until the shock is about one-half formed, when said lange 51 has been moved clear of said bracket and so positioned as to permit the said supporting arms to drop into the position illustrated in Fig. 4.

Means will be hereinafter particularlv del scribed whereby the said tubular shafts 29 and their connected parts, are held in their elevated position when the flange 51 has beenmoved outof engagement with -the bracket 53, during the completionof the shock.-

The supporting arms 35 and 36 are each provided with. one of the auxiliary arms 22.

The normal position of these auxiliary arms is illustrated inl Fig. 1, and they are each provided with inward-curved portions c which merge into outward shaped portions d. Each auxiliary arm is provided with a slot e for the major portion of its length, and extending through the slot in each arm is the supporting arm associated with this arm. Each auxiliaryV arm is pivoted by a bolt or pin f to the outer end g of the support-ing arm it is associated with, and the outer end h of each auxiliary arm is connected by a spring with its associated supporting-arm. The springs z' exert force to keep the said auxiliary arms in the position illustrated in Fig. 1. 4The inner ends of each auxiliary arm is closed as shown at y' Fig. 11, so that the auxiliary arms will be limited in their in-movement by contacting each with its respective supporting arm. These said auxiliary arms yield as before described to allow for passage therebetween of the sheaves, and in duecourse are forced back into Contact with their respective supporting arms so as to prevent the sheaves from passing back into the sheaf-chamber 2.

Keyed to the axle G is a sprocket-wheel 54 which is connected by a. sprocket chain 55 with the sprocket-Wheel 56 which is keyed on the shaft 57 journaled in suitable bearings 5S and 59 suitably supported by the frame of the machine. 60 is a clutch-rod which normally occupies the position illustrated in Figs. 1, Z and 3. It will be noticed upon referring particularly to Fig. 1 that the of this rod is in the path of movement of the supporting arm 36. Now when this supporting arm moves into the position shown by short dotted lines in Fig. 1, it contacts With the end f, thus forcing the clutch-rod 60 outward and around its pivot bearing 61 in which it is supported, and which bearing is carried by the bearing 5S. The said bearing 61 is any suitable means whichwvill permit the clutch rod 60 to describe amare-When moved.

62 is any suitable friction-clutch splined onthe shaft 57. This friction clutch is integrally provide: with a Vplate 630 and the medici bracket G3i in the ends of which are journaled the.rollers' l632 by the pins 0J. The said clutch is provided at one end with. a. collaij633. Thisclutch rotates ivith the 5 shafti', and mounted on said clutch is a sleevesi. The forked end G35 of the rod 60 'straddles the ,sleeve k634 `and is pivoted thereto bythe screws 636,'as illustrated par-- ticularlyinFig. 29. i

l637. are ylugs carried infpairs by .each side ofthe sleeve G3i 'and mounted in cach pair l of theselug's isa rod 638 in the outer wid kao plate 630.` yMounted on each of the said rodsis a `Washer 641, and between these Washersu andjth'eir immediately-associated lugs 63T is aiioidinary splitpin or other suitable means 642. Mounted on each of the said rods and betiveen the Washers Gil and the pair of lugs to the left thereof is a coiled-spring (SL13. Tliesesprings keep the rollers 639 in contact (iv-.tis a sprocket l-ivlieel loosely mounted on the sliaft- 57, this sprocket Wheel is provided on its'side adjacent the plate 630, with a pin or stud Gets.

' Keyed to the shaft 6? is a disk Gi provided. ivitha pocket G46 provided with a horizontal vvall @i7 and an inivard slanting Wall G-lS, i f

649 is anarm provided With a horizontal extension (.350 iny the outer end of which is journaled a roller Gl by the' pin 652. `When the parts are in the position illustrated .in Figs. l, i, 3, and 27, the roller G51 occupies the position illust-rated in fullI lines in lF ig. 27 Within the pocket Gat-G. Then the clutch rod 60 is moved as described, the roller (35i is moved out of the pocket Gib, and the friction clutchGQ is moved through the nmedium 0f the sleeve 634.- aiid its connected parts, to

positioneither of the rollers G32 so that as said friction clutch is rotatedeither one vvill come in contact With the pin or stud G-.ll and so rotatethe sprocket Wheel Gi. The shaft 57 is alivays rotating When the machine is in use, and consequently when the friction clutch 62 is moved as described to lock the sprocket Wheel Gat loosely jouinaled on the shaft 5T, to said sha-ft. energyv is conveyed b v the sprocket chain l65 to the sprocket wheel 66 keyed to the shaft G7 journale'd in the bearings'Sand G8., The 'movement of the shaft 67v of course moves the disk 6&5 keyedv thereto, and so positions vthe pocket 646 in' relation to theroller .651 as to prevent the lroller occupying this pocket until the said shaft has made a complete." revolution. The movement vof this shaftrmoves the quadrant ried by the frameof the machine, SO is a spring connect-ing the'heel Tl of the lthe lower portion 92 of the post is die' I '.r G9 keyed thereto in the ydirection indicated by arrow inFig. 2. Now thifsquadrant is.

provided with a lug T0 which .normally rests in contact with the heel 71 of Itliedog I72l which is journaled in the bearing k73 carried by the bracket 74 supported from the bear-y ing 58. The toe 7 5 of said dog is normally in the path'of movement ,of the lug 76 car-f ried bythe beveled-pinion 77 ykeyed to the shaft 78held in suitable bearings I*Z9-,car-

dog 79, with the bracket 74, andnormally keeping the toe in the path of movement,A

of the lug 7G, and keepingtheheel ,71

against the lug 7d. Now when the quadrant 69 commences to move as described, thedog 7 out of the path of movement of rthe lug TG, and as the trap-doors 8l and 82 are held closed by'this lug TG, When in contact with the toe 7 5, the said doors are, through the medium of certain mechanism, intermediate the beveled-pinion 77, and the Vsaid doors,y unlocked, as a result of the described movel ments,and allowed to drop into theposition.

illustrated in Fig. 5, and thus deposit the shock, butt downward, on the ground. As

soon as the lug` TG is released asbefore de# e scribed, since the bracket 53 is'not. supporting the tiange 5l, the tubularfshafts 2! and the supporting arins carried'tliereb'v are loivered b v means hereinafter described and ulvtiniately occupy the position illustrated in Fig, l," so as tofolloiv the Fshock downward,

for the purpose before setfortlif' Simulta- 2 is operated so that its toe T5 rwill moveVV neous with the movementsjust described, the;

toothed quadrant G9, designed to ooact ivith the pinion keyed to the shaft Si (journaled in the bearing 5S, and lin the bearings 250 illustrated in Figs. -lf and 19, and carried by the standards S), moves this pinion and its shaft Si. Keyed to the shafts Si is a beveled pinion 85 which'. is/ii'i in'esliivith the.;

bevel-ed pinion'SG keyed to-the shaftI 87.

The lower end of this shaft 8T has bearing.

in the bracket S8 carried by the shaft Si.

89 is a `beveled pinion Akeyed* to theqshaft g i 8T, and operating above the bracket 50.

The pinion S9 meshes ivith they beveled pint'he crank l-T.

betiveen the pinions just described,the crank. i7 is moved in the direction indicate'dbyl arroiv in Figs. 3 and et so thatI as` the supporting-arms carried bythe tubular shafts 29 ai'e lowered, the spring 45 will be exerting its minimum tension against .the4 said arms, for thepurpose before set forth. Upon re? ferring particularly to Fig# 'l2 *it will be l ion 90 keyedto-tlie shaftaS-ivhich carries As a result of the .co-action'- I downward, outward and backward asillustrated more particularly in Fig. 1, during' tion between the pinions 37 and the train of 1103 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 25.

tooth 105 of the spur-gear 102- is normally.

. in mesh with the pinion 107 keyed gearing therebetween, already described, the supporting arms 33, 34, 35, and 36 'are moved into the position illustrated in long and short dotted lines in Fig. 1 and in full lines in Fig. 4.

94 is a crank formed in the shaft 84, and connecting this crank with the crpss bar 93 are a pair of connecting-rods The parts just described are .he means employed for lowering and raisingthe tubular shafts 29 and their connected parts, and from the foregoing part of this specication it will be clear that the said tubular shafts. and their supporting arms are lowered as the shock-is dumped on the ground. In due course, the said connecting rods and associated parts return the tubular shafts 29 and their supporting parts back to .normal position, by reason of the continued rotation of the shaft 84, when vthe cam 52 supported by thc bracket 53, and the supporting arms 33, 34, 35, and 36; crank 4.'. and connected parts occupy the normal position illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

Keyed to the shaft 67 is a sprocket wheel 96 which is connected by the sprocket chain 97 with the sprocket wheel 98 which is keyed on the shaft 99 mounted in the bearings 58, ,100 and 101. Keyed to the shaft 99 is a spur-gear 102 which is only partiallv provided with teeth. This spur-gear 102 co-acts with a spur-gear 1103, carried by the beveled pinion 103 keyed to the shaft 104 journaled in the bearing 101. The normal position of the spur-gears 102 ailild T e positioned so thatit comes into mesh with the teeth of the spur-gear 1103 immediately ythe trap-doors 81 and 82 have been dropped and so the teeth of the spur-gear 102 will turn the spur-gear 1103 and so turn the beveled pinion 103 a certain distance. Now keyed to the shaft 104 is a geanwhel lll to t e shaft 108.mounted in the bearings 109 and 59, which are supported by the frame of the machine after any suitable manner. Keyed to the shaft 108 are two sprocket-wheels 110. With each of these sprocket-wheels co-act sprocket chains 111, each end of which are connected with their respective sides of the follower 112, as shown particularly in Fig. 13.

fore they insure the snu 1.08, the follower 112 is run out on the said rails preferably at the same speed at which j the machine advances, and so prevents any of the sheavesof the shock from becoming entangled with any of the parts of the machine. The length of the rails 113 will be such that the follower 112 can follow the shock far enough for the purpose before set forth. So soon as the follower 112 has reached the limit of its outward movement, the tooth 114 of the spur-gear 115 keyed to the shaft 99 comes into mesh with the spur-gear 1116 carried bythe beveled pinion 116 keyed to the shaft 117 journaled 1n the bearing 100. The beveled pinion 116 is constantly in mesh with the bejveled pinion 118 mounted by its shaft 119.=.-n the bearing 120 suitably supported by the frame'of the machine.

The beveled pinions 116,118 and 103 are fully provided with teeth, and as the pinions 116 and 103 are constantly in mesh with the pinion 118, as a result ofthe co-action between the vspur-gears 115v and 1116, and beveled-pinion 116 the follower 112 is returned to normal position and locked there in by the means hereinafter described. 1mmediately the follower 112 has returned Ito normal position, the tooth 121 of the beveled pinion 122 keyed to the shaft 67, comes into mesh with the beveled pinion 77 keyed to the shaft 78 and through the gearing hereinafter described, the trap-doors 81 and S2 are returned to normal position when they are locked by the toe 75 of the dog 72 resting in the path of movement of the lug 67 of the pinion 77.

123 is a spring connectinnf the clutch rod 60 with the bearing 58. 'So soon as the supporting. arm 36 moves out of enga0ement with the clutch rod 60 the said pocket 646 will be positioned inthe path of moveor stud 644, and consequently the trainl of 1 carin land other parts receiving movement rom t is sprocket wheel will come torest. When the sleeve 634 is moved`iito the, position illustrated in Fig. 28, the springs 643 are under increased compression and thereengagement of the rollers 639 with the p ate 630, and the roller, 632 with the pin or stud 644. The

face orside of the sprocket wheel 64 carrying'tlie pin or stnd 644. Will be oonstructed so'as to provide a flat 'surface for the rollers 632 to travel over.

The'slanting wall 64S of the sprocket 616 permits vthe ready Withdrawal and entry of theroller 651 in respect of said pocket withoutVv arring' There the lscrews 636' pees; through the forked end G35` of the Clutch rod 607 are provided slots 653 to prevent binding.

`The use of the spring-controlled rods 633 with the clutch 62 will Vprevent the rollers 632r from 'contiicting 'with the. pin or stud 644 when the parts occupy the position illusitratedin Fig.' 27'. These parts also prevent anyundue strain coming-on the clutch rod 60 vvwhen' the same is operated by the arm 36; as any movement of said clutch rod ,ibeyondithat necessary to clutch the wheel 64C tothe shaft 57 will be absorbedby the springs 613. rlphe disk 645 and the roller 651 cti-acting therewith provide positive means whereby the shaft 6T is moved one revolilitioai through power transmitted from I have no'w described the complete cycle ,of inyaiiachine. `and shall. in the'followin'g part?! vof thisl specificationV describe particu- -larl`fv the incans .for raising thetrap-doors Stand '552. and the'nieans for unlocking the follower and rlocking the said .trap-doors wlienjthey occupy the position illustrated in Fig. 5a l(.larried bv each side of the machine are duplicate mechanisms for closing' theV trap-doors 81 and S2 and` therefore the description of' one of these mechanisms-will do for both; lVhen the dog 72 is moved ont F of contact with the pinion 77, this beveled pinion and thebeveled pinion 122 occupy the position shown in Figs. 1 and 24C in respect of the position vof vtheir teeth. rl`he pinion 77 is fully provided' Awith teeth. whereas'thc pinion 122 is only partially provided with teethr'consequently as there is nothingto support the trap-doors 81 and S2, the weight thereof. together with the weight of the shock 'carried thereby, permits them to open and so permit the shock to fall'.

124 is a rodxhinged at 125 to the trap door constantly in mesh with a bevcledpinion 4134A y keyed to the .shaft flield in bearings '136 supportedvvon the bottom plate D. 137 is a beveled pinion which is constantly in mesh T8. lVhen the trap-doors drop open, through racks 127, these racks are moved outward in the direction `indicated by arrow in Fig.. 6,

pinion 122 is in mesh with the piiiionfi', through the medium of the gearing already in Fig. 6, and result in the closing ofl the trap-doors; immediately these doors are clcsed tliedog 72 locks the pinion 77.

the Vpinion 77, and this'pinionl139 is keyed to the shaft 140 journaled in suitable bearings lllrcarried by the frame of the nia- Y chine. t

142 is a' beveled pinion keyed to the shaft pinion 143 which is keyed to'tlie shaft 144 corresponding to the shaft 73. andthis shaft' 144 operates the quadrant connected there;

scribed. for the purpose ofV closing` the ltrap-A door S2.

The follower comprises a truck 145 com the plates 14T and bracing the said truck.

and 151 are brace-rods connecting the standards 152 'with the truck. v

per curved bars 154A and 155 together and brace them from the truck 145. The bracesv 151 together with the base of the trucklfl` sheaf'. are curved as shown 'in Figs.`1'and portion of the truck 145. as they are'tle? cause' of the described. shape of the follower.;

' it will contact with the butt of the sheafas well as the top portion thereof and therclvv-A enable the sheaf tobesupported in 'iheniost advantageous manner: mother words-the' of the sheaf will not be interfered with.` Carried by each standard 152 is a1 bracket 156 spaced apart from each eiid`157 of the curved bar 154. and jeurnaled between these through is a wheel 159. .The wheels i are designed to come-in vcontact `with the' trap doors S1 and S2 when the parts` are' in the position illustrated in Fig. 5: ihc funi-'- t tion ofthe whecls159 is to facilitate' movement of the follower and prevent asV much as possiblelateral movement thereof. Jour- 140 and constantly in mesh with the beveled which comes in contact with the butt ofthe parts by means of a pin'15S passing thcrel with a beveled pinion 138 keyed to the shaft theiryrods'conneoting the same with their.. f

thus moving 4the quadrant 129 and allowing .Q the necessary movementfor the gearing conn nected therewith,L thus Yallowing thesaidl trap-doors to open` Now when'the beveled i described, the toothed `quadrants A129 are y y moved in the .direction indicated by arrow..

139 is a pinion constantly in mesh Vwith with after the manner hereinbefore def posed of the horizontal bar 146 which is sc- *A cured to the plates 14Jby the brackets 143.V 149 are horizontal brace-rods also secured tof* iioo are back stays which connect Vthe iipi 13. AThe curved bars 154 and 155 are positioned above and in advance of the curved;

y l11o signed to contact with the sheaf ncarf tli'cvf top thereof. It will be understood thatbc-' l l n follower is so shaped that the natural shape' I ifea 45 normal position.

' naled in each plate 147 by their pins 160 are wheels 161, which operate upon the horizontal flange 162 ofthe rails 113 (which rails are secured to the bearings 58 and 59 by the braces 1162 and 163 and are further connected to ether and" braced by the cross bar 164 suita ly supported by the frame of the machine, as b su ports 165) and 166 are wheels journa ed their pmions 167 also in the plates 147 and beneath the wheels 161: the wheels 166 operate against the under side of the flange 162. So mounting the .follower enables the same to move with as Alitt-le friction as possible.

When the follower 112 is in normal position, .it is locked by the following means:

, 168 is a rod held in a pair of brackets 169 fao ' through the brackets 175 secured in the diski 170 and dependingA therefrom.

176. is a coiled-spring mountedion thevbolt 174 between said brackets, and 177 is a washer keyed to said bolt. In the outer end of the bolt 174 is journaled a roller 178 by its pin 179.

In order to make a compact machine, one ofthe standards 152 of the follower 112 is provided with an off-set portion 180, the vertical bar 181 of which normally rests against one end of the lip 182 secured to, or formed a part of, the base 183. This base 183 is loosely mounted lon the r'od 168, and the sanie is held from vertical movement by a collar 184, on said rod.

185 is apocket formed in the vertical flange 186 of the base 183, and as the roller 178 is held in saidpocket by the spring 176, the base 183 is consequently locked to the rod 168. It therefore follows that because of the engagementk of the vertical bar 181 with the lip 182 the follower is locked in The path of movement of the trap door 82 is indicated by arrow with tail in Figs.

8 and 9, and it will be noticed that the curved-rod 171 extends into the path of movement ofl said door which is indicated by the dotted line: so soon as the said door strikes-said rod the bolt 174 is retracted and so mo'ves the roller 178 out of the pocket 185 thus unlocking the base 183 and so `permitting the free outward movement of the follower. As the follower" 112 isxmoved outward, the bar 181 thereof will move the base 183v through the vmedium of the lip 182 until the pocket185 is positioned to receive theI roller 187 journaled by the pin 188 in the outer e'nd of.` the bolt 189 which is 'connected by the link 190 with the ear 191 of the curved rod 192 loosely, mounted on the rod 168.

' When the. roller 187 is in engagement with the pocket 185, the lip 182 is in engagement with the trap-door 82 (see dotted lines Fig. 8), and consequently 'this trap door is locked in open position. The bolt 189 is ted in brackets 193 securedin the disk depending therefrom, and mounted bolt and between these brackets is a springY 194. 195 is a washer keyed to said bolt. When the bar 181 is inthe position illustrated in Fig. 9, it rests against the rod 192. Now when the base 183 is moved 4as described, and the pocket 185 is moved opposite the roller 187 the spring 194 shoots this roller into the said pocket, and consequently locks the base 183 to the rod 168 and so locks the door 82 in open position. The movement of the roller 187 into the pocket 185 moves the rod 192 into the dotted Vposition shown in Fig. 8. In due course the follower returns to normal position, and in so doing, its bar 181 comes in contact with the red 192 thus unlocking the base 183 from the rod 168 and then the mechanism before described, namely, the racks 127 and quadrants 129, operate to close the trap-doors 81 and 82, and as the trap door 82 is returning to normal position it moves the base 183 through the medium of its lip 182 back to the normal position shown in Figs. 8 and 9, thus locking the follower in normal position the pocket185. From the foregoing part of this specification it is clear that the follower and the trap door 82 alternately lock and release one another.

m are collarson the rod 168 which space the rods 171 and 192 apart, and the rod 192 from the top of the base 183.

Each sprocket chain 111 passes through pulleys 196 journaled in the inner ends 197 of the levers 198 which .are each pivoted by pins 199 to brackets 200 carried by the side members A. The upper ends of the levers 198 are connected by springs 201 to the brackets C. The curved portions 202 of the levers 198 are shaped to conform to an arc described from the pins 199, and these operate through a head 203 carried by each of the rails 113. By the spring-controlled construction just described it will be understood that the sprocket wheels 110 can be ermitted to rotate a certain distance be ore the follower is unlocked, as before described, and consequently when the follower is unlocked it will be released very suddenly, and itssudden movement will insure it coming into cont-act with the shock almost immediately the same falls.

The front corner plates 204 of the shockchamber are stationary.

205 are the side lates of the shock-chamber, and same are ]ournaled by their pintles i" u e eye studs 207 carried by the side through the medium of the roller 178 and :isoeensi 208 are side stays carried by the side nier bers Si and against which the side plates are 'spring held.' I

:Seenred toy tlieftrapfdoois' 81 and 82 Lne nor position illustrated in Figs.y 2iand 3. When y the'fsaidft-rap doors are' moved into the position',lillustratediin Fig. 5, thesaidarins 201 ultimately niove'tlie side plates 205 i-ntoithe lo positionillustrated:in full lines in F 5, and-tlreinoveni'ent of these plates Vishad in order to :facilitate the delivery of thev shock. -2'1-03areftoiledsprings connected 2xt/their upperrends to' eyelets 211 carried bythe 'de lilratfes QGS-andconneeted at their lower ends toiplates -2`12"Ca1riedby ithe side stays 268. `=.l"-i7h'enf tli`e' said side plates 205`occupy lthe f positi'onf"illustrated in Fig. 5, the springs 210 ar'effunder increased tension (see dotted 2o linesfin'tFiglB') 'so that'astlietrapdoors S1 and82'arereturning to nornial posi-tion, the said side plates 205 W'ill'be returned to nornia-l 'psi'tion,-in` fwhich position they are heldk against the said stays S.y For the purpose oit' Clear-ness, the said springs 210 are omitted in'ltig. 5. l

'2212 are curved, levers carried by the doors vv81"' a`nd`82 and journaled on each ot the sa'id'le'vers is 'aconnecting rod 213. i-tt e'aehi'si'de otfthe slioclr-clianiberand seeuredfto' the "sfidey members are stand- ;=ards 21t' in the ujpper7 ends of' which' are du'rnafled "the "cranks of' the butt-rods 2lb the' noriial position of jvhi'eh' is shoi'vn 85 tlefarlylinli1 ig. '1.,' rEhe connecting rods 213l areprovided ywithslotted npperends 21'!- th; 4ugh 1ivv'hieli;,extend theeranks and these' rods arefpositioned tooperate between the,StandardsQMlj Simultaneous with the 4o described` niovenient of the side plates 205, the Ac 'onne'cti'ng rods213, and their described 'Connectetljaits move the ybntt-rods 215 into :thefposition shown in Ytall lines in F or int'oslioh position that they will not inter- .ter ntithdhef shook. 'The function ot the britt-r lsf 21'@ istqfprevent the butts oit the sheaves A. n Contact 'therewith troni projecting oneri' the end the wtrap doors 81 and` 82. Asftheiside plates 205 are returning to normal position.'v the butt-rods 216 arefalso re turni q to this'positiona 21S" are aplnrahty ,of eut-olf bars car iidby'ihefplunger carriage 1 The tonctioiifpertornied by ,these ent'oi bars is to pre nt'lthe entry of `ashea'into the sheatlchainber.1 2 by closingy the' opening leading "ftheI Vo platform, when the plunger "lTis h oving asheafiinto the shook-chamber. Ther 'peedzof rnovk eiit of the plunger 17 50 Willbe such thati.ivillgniake one complete cycle for every shefaf ,delivered from the Y. platform 4 into `tliefslieat chamber 2. For each revoln-tion-ot the shaft 67 the beiorefdescribed movements take place.

2.19 are plurality of hollerr rollers mounted on the bolts 220\Wh`ich extend respectively through the retainingl bracket undv the base 222 of the standards 135. are the nuts screwingvon the'` eiidsfot" the said bolts. l'nterinedia'te the' rollers 219 and the bolts'i220 is a rol ler-rin;v wl'iichA 1s designed to prevent. the `rollers 219 from being bound in their bearings The retain ing bracket 221 is secured nuts aiidboltfs designated by the connnon nni'neralof ref -y erence 225 to thev bottoni plate D,andthe base is secured by the nuts' andfbo'lts iiidicated by the eonnnon numeral of,referenceY also to -the said base. "A s sli't \\{n`,i nv Fig. T- particulerly7 the topftange'j227 "ofthe retaining bracket 221, and the slio'uller .228 of the base 222 overlanja portlon'ot' 'the top th r ist t i td n' '1 l' l oi e racis of a aci si e. ieieo ,anc so provide means `which co-iactwith the rollers 21S in order to provide suitablebearingsffor the said racks.

The tree ends of the'suppsrting' arras 3 3,` A

3e, 35 and 36 are curved: inward as shown so thaty when the arms are in thel dotted position indicated by short linesin Figi', they will overlap` and so completely embrace the shock.

The trap doors Sl and 82 are'liinged`-to the inner ends 'oi' the lside "ineinln'ns,"A'y by means of the rods s passing through-the earsl t and u formed respectively Withy theisifde members A and saidtra'p doors.

lig. 17 is a vertical centralisection .On the line 0-;n, Fig. l, througlithe toot fof oneof the tubular shafts 29 showing how the'eross l bar 93 isniounted thereon. At the `foot" of in 'so as to permit the"necessary. movement,

of said tubular shafts. 229 is 'a plate niountedon avr'od .230 hav-A ing bearing at ea'leh end of the "sides, ofthe -sheaf-chainber.V Portions offsaid plate are' cut aivav at each sideth'ereofasshovn at..

231 so that the coiled springsl 232 :noav be* nionn'ted on said rod -n'earfeach end thereofj With their ends suitably-,secured so as to normally keep said plate against'vlthe `1bars` 233 secured to the sideslof the -sheafmham loer.l The said spring-controlled plate 229j is positioned at the end .ofthe 'silicati-chantber Where it opens into .-.the' shockehainber and each time the shea" is moved intovrsaid, shock-chamber, the said `plate moves in the direction indicated'by-arrnv` Fig; thus allowing the tree passage'ot theshea'fg. and= snring'inp; back into normaly position nnlierl the influence of its springs 232s() soongas the sheaf has been moved yint'othe saidfshock i chamber. The function performed by this plate 229 is to'prevelit the butt of the last sheaf shoved into the shock-chamber from extending into the sheet-chamber.

lVhile I have described what I consider to be the best embodiment of my invention,

I desire it to be understood that the principles can be embodied in different forms M and Idesire not to be limited beyond the re- ',qirements ofthe prior art and the terms times; means operated topa-ss sheaves into saidshock-chamber and between said supporting means, and a train of gearing put into operation by one of. said members when the shock isV formed in order to release said trap doors to allow the shock to-drop on to the ground. said gearing ultimately closing said 4trap doors and locking them in position.

- 2. A machine of the class described oomprising the combination of a frame; a shock-y chamber oarried by said frame provided with a pair of trap-doors mounted toopen downward, and normally looked closed; a plurality of members operating above said shock-chamber and yieldingly supported so as to support each slaf as it is passed thereinto; means for .supporting said members and raising and lowering the saine at certain times, means operated to pass sheaves into said shoclcchamber and between said supporting means; a train of gearing put into operation by one of said members when the shock is formed in order to release said trapdoors to allow the shock to drop onto' the ground, said gearing ultimately closing said shock-chamber and yieldinglv support ed doors and locking them in position; a tollower mountedl to operate underneath said shockfchambei' so soon as said doors have bgen opened and the shock dumped, and means operated by. said train of gearing to operate said follower and Vreturn it to normal position v .v

3. A machine of the class described comprising the combination of a frame; a shockchamber carried by said frame provided with a pair of trap-doors mounted to open downward, and normally locked closed; a plurality of members operatmg above said so as to support each sheaf as it is passed thereinto; means for, supporting -said members and raising and lowering the same at certain times; means operated to 'pass sheaves into said shook-chamber and between said supporting means; a train of gearing put into operation by one of said members when the s ook is formed in order to release said tra doors to allow the shock to dro lonto t e ground, said gearing ultimately c osing said doors and locking them in' position; `a follower mounted to-operate underneath said shock-chamber so soon as said doors have been opened and the shock dumped; means n in the path of movement of one of said trapdoors, locking said follower in normal po sition, and being o erated b said door when the same opens fu ly, to un ook the said follower, and means operated by said train of gearing to operate said follower and return itto normal position:

4. A machine of the class described compi'ising the combination of a frame; a shockchamber7 carried by said frame, provided with a pair of trapdoors mounted to open downward, and normally locked closed a plurality of supporting members operating above said shock-chamber so as to sup ort each sheaf as it is passed thereinto; vertically disi posed means for horizontally supporting said supporting members; means carried by the -said vertically-disposed means whereby the said supporting-members move in unison horizontally, at certain times tension is exerted against said members, the strength of the-same increasing as the shock grows .in size; means whereby said supportin members'are lowered as the "shock is ropped and then returned to normal position; during the lowering movement of said supporting member, the tension of said spring-com trolled means being reduced-to the minimum; means operated to pass one sheaf at a time into said shock-chamber, and between said supporting members, Iand a train of gearing put into operation by one of said supporting .members when the shock is formed in order to release said trap doors to allow the shock to dro-p on to the ground;

the said gearing ultimately closing said doors and locking them in normal position.'

5, yA macliineof the class described comprising the combination of a frame; a shock chamber,l carried by said frafme, provided with a pair of trap-doors mounted to open downward, and normally lockedclosed; a plu- V rality of supporting members operating above said shock-chamber so as to support each sheaf yas it is passed thereinto; vertically disposed means for horizontally supporting said supporting members; means carried by the said vertically-disposed means whereby the said supporting-members move in unison horizontally, at certain times in opposite di- "rections each around its support; a spring vas associated with said. means and saidvsupporting-inembers whereby tension is exerted against said members, the strength of the samejincrea'singas the shock grows in size;

l means whereby said supporting members are lowered as. the shock is dropped and then "to drop on to the ground, the said' gearing ultimately closing said doors and locking gthem in normal-position; a follower mountjed `'cooperate underneath said shockchamberso lsoon as said doors have been opened and the shock dumped, and means operated by said train of gearing to operate said follower and return itto normal position.

6. A machine of the class described com- 4vprising the cofbination of a frame; a shock chamber, carried by said frame, provided with axpair of trap-doors mounted to open downward and outward, and normally @blocked closed; a plurality of supporting 'members operating above said shock-chainlbei' .so as to support each sheaf as it is passed thereinto; vertically-disposed means for -jhorizontally supporting said supporting members; means carried by the vsaid vertically-disposed means whereby the said supporting-members move in unison horizontally,lat certain times in opposite directions each around its support; a spring yassociated 4:0 with said `means and Said supporting-niem bers whereby tension is exerted against said members, the strength of the same increasing asl thev shock grows in size; means whereby sai'dsupporting members are lowered as the shook is dropped and then returned to normal position; during tlie lowering movement 4of'said supporting members, the tension of .saidspringcontrolled means being reduced to the minimum; a sheaf-chamber carried by o'said' frame and communicating with said shock-chamber a reciprocating-member operating in said' slieaf-chamber. to pass one sheafat a time therefrom between said supporting-members and into said shock-chamber; means for operating saidmember, and al train of geaifng put into operation by one of said supporting members when the sliocli is formed in order to release said trap-doors to'allow the shock to-diop onto the ground. the said gearing ultimately closing said doors andloeking them in normal position; A machine ofi" e elassdeseribedcompiising the combina n chambencarried by. said' frame, provid-sd with a pairiof trap-doors to open `of said supporting-arms, when the t on oa-frame,- a shocltdownward, and normally locked closed; a pair of vertical standards carried by said frame at one end of said shock chamber; a tubular shaft rotatably mounted on each of the said. standards; means supportedby said standards whereby when one of ysaid tubular shafts is rotated, the other tubular shaft lwill be rotated in the opposite direction;

a plurality of supporting arms fixed to, and carried in pairs by, the said tubular shafts and above said shock-chamber; spring-controlled means connected to one of said tubular shafts and controlling the.. horizontal movements of said arms, at certain times;

[means whereby saidshafts and their supportiiigaims are lowered as the shock is dropped and then returned to normal position; meansvoperated to pass sheaves into said shock chamber and between said supporting arms; a train of gearing put into operation by Vone of said support-ing arm-s, when the shock is formed, in order to release said trap-doors to allow the shock to drop on to the ground; the said gearing ultimately closing said `doors and locking` them in normal position, and means operated by said train of gearingwliereby as said tubular shafts and their supporting-arms are lowered, the tension of said spring-controlled means against said tubular shafts and their supporting arms will be reduced to a minimum. I

8. A. machine of the class described coinprising the combination of a frame; a shockchtaniber, carried by said frame, pro-vided with a pair of trap-doors mounted to open downward, and normally locked closed; a'

vertical standards carried by said frame at one end of-said shock chamber; a tubular shaft rot'latably mounted on each of the. said standards; means supported by said standards whereby when one of said tubular shafts rotated,the other tubular shaft will be rotated in the opposite dii-actifs; a plurality of supporting ai'nis tired to. and earried in pairs by, the said tubular shafts and above said shock chamber; spring-coi rolled means connected to one of said tubular shafts 'andcontrolling the horizontal movements of said arms(` at certain times; means whereby said shafts and their supporting arnis are lowered as the shock is dropped and then returned to normal position: means operated to pass sheaves into said shock chainber and between said supportingarms; a train of gearing put into operation by ontl shock is formed, in order to release said trap-doors to allow the shoclr to drop on theground;

the said gearing vultimately closing said doors and locking them in normal posit-ion;

inea-ns operated Yby said train of gearing` whereby as said tubular'4 shafts and their sapport'ngarms 'are lowered, the tension-of spriiigfcentrolled means against said 

